The Books

I’ve often been asked, “What’s your favorite resume book?” or “Can you give me a suggestion for a book on interviewing?” or “I’m new to the job search, which book provides the basics?”

First, here’s a listing (with links) of job search books that I recommend — and yes, I own them and have read each of them. There are many other good books on the market, but these are the ones that I’ve referenced in my writings, quoted in my lectures, inspired me to do further research, or that I’ve given away to job seekers that I mentor. (The list was last updated 29-Dec-2014)

One of the best resume books on the market. A large book that covers a wide variety of topics including STAR (CAR/SAR) statements, e-resumes, cover letters, grammar, distribution, and numerous samples. When researching a resume question, it’s the first book I reach for. Published in 2010, it’s still one of the best on the market!

This is probably my favorite book on the interview process, including questions to ask, avoiding pitfalls, negotiations, and more. Even the title reminds us — keep your answers to interview questions about a minute long…good enough without overdoing it!

I’ve always found it tough to do job networking…it never really made sense to me. Until I read this book! It covers the steps from preparation to follow-ups to finding meetings and more. It is by far my favorite job networking “how to” book.

This book covers the broad spectrum of online networking – not just Twitter and LinkedIn, but also blogs, online groups, web portfolios, other social sites, etc. It gives you both steps for getting setup quickly and for developing a long-term online personal brand. (Yes, I read their prior book as well- dated but good: Seven Days to Online Networking)

An unorthodox book on job hunting with many good (and questionable) strategies. I’m still reading this one, but so far I’ve marked more good pages/ideas in this book than any book I’ve read other than Resume Magic. (I read all of 2.0 & most of 3.0)

Yes, there are jobs out there for those (of us) over 40. This book helps you avoid age discrimination, update your image, emphasize your ‘applicable’ (not ‘historic’) experience on your resume, and how to tactfully answer those age-related questions.

Adjusting to change is difficult. This book is an easy, quick read that helps you get a grip on the fact that change occurs, that you need to recognize it, and some advice on how to respond to it. It was the first book I read when the company I worked for in the late 90s folded, and I’m glad I did…I wish I had smelled the cheese sooner.

Sometimes you really don’t know what it is about a job, career, or project that you do or don’t like. Sometimes you seem to just know that a job isn’t right for you…but you aren’t sure why. This book, which includes an assessment, helps job seekers evaluate their strengths and passions and explains why some roles/jobs are better suited for certain personalities. Combining guidance from this book along with details from O*NET really pin-pointed my passions for certain jobs and careers. Well worth the money.

A perennial standard — it provides basic steps for conducting a job search. It’s not a “help me find a job right now” book, but more of a career search planning guide. Although revised annually, it hasn’t changed greatly between 2001 to 2014, so even old copies are fine. Good for the person just starting out on their first job search.

The world has changed. Life-long employment, pensions, and job loyalty are mostly things of the past. We need to think “Me, Inc.” and take a hold of our own careers. But the book covers more than just finding work — it’s about life, fulfillment, and hearing your calling.

While many recruiters don’t read cover letters, there are many that do read them. This is about the best cover letter book on the market. There are a lot of examples and there are some great phrases in the book that I’ve lifted and used (with slight modifications) in various resume summary and STAR statements.

Second, here’s a list of books that I have read that I don’t think measure up to being as beneficial as the ones I’ve listed above. In general they are “OK”, but aren’t books I would reread or recommend. The books might have good points, but could be boring to read, some are outdated, a few offer overviews without details, several are not relevant to today’s job search, a couple don’t understand the job search Web tools available today, or (my biggest gripe) several make statements of “fact” without supporting their facts:

Job-Hunting Online, Bolles & Bolles

How to Find a Job on LinkedIn Facebook Twitter MySpace and Other Social Networks, Schepp & Schepp

The Executive Resume Book, Foxman

The Resume.Com Guide to Writing Unbeatable Resumes, Curtis & Simons

The Overnight Resume, Asher

Job Nation: The 100 Best Employment Sites on the Web, Weddle

How to get a Great Job in 90 Days or Less, Carroll

The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success, Breitbarth

(You’re welcome to post a response if you agree, you disagree, or you want to offer a well-considered review of your own.)

. . . . . . . . Some books that I’m still reading. . . . . . . . .

Third, here’s a list of books that I’m currently reading that I’ve selected from Amazon or pulled from the shelf at my local Barnes and Noble:

Fourth, here’s a list of some additional books from a few of my peers that I respect, but that I have not yet read (although I do have a few of these books on my “to read soon” list). These books cover a wide range of subjects from interviewing to networking, from dealing with fears to assessing your skills, from resume writing to negotiating an offer, from late-in-life careers to online search techniques:

“Focused on mid-career female job seekers, yet with tips to get any job explorer to rethink where they want to go and how are they going to get there using today’s tools and technology! It also recommends physically getting a bit spruced up, since it IS a competitive market out there.“

“The author interviewed 900 ‘regular’ people and wrote 56 short real life stories of people who found the most meaningful answers to the question. Most have overcome fear to find a larger truth about their lives and that has made all the difference. It’s a very good book to help job seekers open their minds to more than money and prestige.”

I’ll update this page as I keep finding good job search books. Also, if you are in the business of helping people with a job search and have a book that you’d recommend, send a reply and I’ll work the recommendation into the list. (No self-advertising and no commercialism, please.)

I’m also gathering a list of links, blogs, periodicals, and newsletters that are career related, plus a list of books and other readings that provide support, encouragement and faith-building to help you along the journey to your new career…so keep watching here.

MrL8Nite

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If you are unemployed, please take a few seconds and let me know your job hunt situation:

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One Response to The Books

I would like to recommend the book, Knock “em Dead, The Ultimate Job Search Guide by Martin Yate. This book includes Cover Letters, Resumes, etc. What I like most about the book is the Index to Questions which helps those being interviewed with perspective on how to answer the questions most effectively. Highly recommended to everyone I know.